Claroteidae (Claroteid catfishes), subfamily: Auchenoglanidinae |
31.7 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
demersal; freshwater |
Africa: widespread in coastal basins from the Sanaga (Cameroon) southwards to the Chiloango (Cabinda province of Angola) (Ref. 74661, 81642). Also in the Congo River basin (Ref. 50834, 74661), from the lower Congo (Ref. 50834, 120641) to the upper Lualaba (Ref. 45616). |
Dorsal spines (total): 2-2. Diagnosis: caudal peduncle relatively long, its depth a little larger than horizontal distance between the base of adipose and caudal fins (but almost never twice as great); pectoral spine smooth on its anterior margin, except for a few serrations near the tip; preorbital head length less than maximum head depth; color pattern on flank strongly marked in most cases; adipose fin height 3-7% SL, dorsal fin height 15-25% (28%) SL), head depth 56-88% head width; barbels relatively short, e.g. external mandibular barbel usually shorter than 1.3 times HL, never reaching beyond tip of pectoral spine (Ref. 81642).
Description: body moderately elevated, head depth generally greater than (rarely equal to) preorbital length; maxillary barbel just reaching base of pectoral spine (Ref. 81642).
Coloration: preserved specimens brown or grey; head often somewhat darker; flanks with large spots (usually as large as or larger than eyes), which may merge together; number, position and intensity of these spots highly variable, and often vertical or horizontal series are present; markings most intense anteriorly where spots often merge into a single large irregular blotch; head and fins may or may not be spotted; ventrum creamy white (Ref. 81642). |
Maximum recorded total length 39.0cm (Ref. 3236). |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
harmless |
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